Rabbit Medicine and Surgery: Self-Assessment Color Review, Second Edition, Q&A 09

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Question	Answer		Article
What standard procedures should be considered prior to euthanasia in pet rabbits?	Prior to euthanasia the owner should be told what to expect. How the procedure will be performed and arrangements for disposal of the body should be discussed. Arrangements should be made for the owner to be present if they request so. Veterinary personnel should be available to help restrain the animal, and reception staff should be notified that a rabbit is to be euthanased prior to arrival of the animal. A quiet room should be allocated for the procedure, preferably with a separate exit rather than through the waiting room. Prior sedation of the animal is recommended, especially in fearful or aggressive rabbits, and this should be discussed with the owner. Placement of an i/v catheter into the rabbit’s marginal ear vein will allow for smooth, trouble-free injection of the euthanasia agent. An extension T-port allows for easy administration of i/v drugs. A topical local anaesthetic cream may be applied to the skin before catheter placement. The author’s preference is to induce the rabbit, as if for anaesthetic, with propofol or alfaxalone i/v before injecting pentobarbitone by i/v. This prior anaesthetic agent significantly reduces the risk of any violent movements associated with reaction to the pentobarbitone prior to death. The owner should be warned that occasionally rabbits vocalize or gasp during euthanasia, although this is uncommon with the described approach. A non-slip surface (such as a towel) should be provided on which to restrain the rabbit and the animal should be gently talked to and reassured during the procedure.		Link to Article

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